Arctic -- vikings

Arctic -- vikings

Louise Roug / Los Angeles Times

Vikings probably first visited the archipelago in the 12th century, referring to it as Svalbard, meaning "cold edge." Willem Barents, a Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea is named, came upon the archipelago in 1596, and the islands became a center for whaling and Arctic exploration.

Vikings probably first visited the archipelago in the 12th century, referring to it as Svalbard, meaning "cold edge." Willem Barents, a Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea is named, came upon the archipelago in 1596, and the islands became a center for whaling and Arctic exploration. (Louise Roug / Los Angeles Times)

Vikings probably first visited the archipelago in the 12th century, referring to it as Svalbard, meaning "cold edge." Willem Barents, a Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea is named, came upon the archipelago in 1596, and the islands became a center for whaling and Arctic exploration.